Livestock abortion storm hits Namibia

Namibia is currently faced with a storm of abortions amongst livestock in the central areas of Khomas as well as to the east, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has reported.

Individual cases have also been reported in Omaheke and Otjozondjupa while losses are said to be ranging from 40% to 85%.

“As mentioned in previous correspondence to members, a questionnaire has been developed by the NAU with the technical assistance of various private veterinarians.

“Information from producers who have experienced abortions among their livestock in the past 12 months is crucial,” NAU said.

The NAU is facilitating the process to distribute questionnaires and to process the information received.

“We would, therefore, like to urgently ask any producers who have noticed abortions of livestock, and even game, horses, dogs etc. to complete the questionnaire and send it to the NAU office as soon as possible,” said the union.

The information derived from these questionnaires will be used to determine similarities between the situations of the affected producers while information will be dealt with strict confidentiality.

Only the NAU office will receive the information and process it any information of individual producers will under no circumstances be given to any third party.

Meanwhile in another development, as from the 1st of November 2017 producers can sign slaughter cattle delivery Agreements for the first period of 2018, or for the whole year.

Producers can sign for the first period that stretches from January to March 2018, until 30 November 2017.

Producers who sign delivery agreements with Meatco qualify for the N$2.50 contract premium.

“If a producer is out of the country and unable to sign an agreement, they can contact Meatco via e-mail, and they will gladly assist him/her in signing delivery agreements by proxy,” says Livestock Coordinator: Abattoirs, Louise Vermeulen.

At the same time the Swakara Industry Forum will hold their meeting and celebrate its 110th anniversary on October 31 at Keetmanshoop, NAU has said.